Pimpri Market’s first-ever vehicle-free weekend takes off

The initiative is not just about enhancing the shopping and leisure experience; it also serves as a pilot program to explore the potential for permanently pedestrianizing parts of the city, officials said. Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Municipal Commissioner, Shekhar Singh, emphasized the trial nature of the project. “We are conducting detailed surveys to assess the initiative’s impact on traffic, businesses, and public life. The feedback we receive from citizens and stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping future urban mobility strategies,” he said. “We hope the community will actively participate and support our vision for a safer, cleaner, and more livable Pimpri-Chinchwad.”

To engage residents, the PCMC has curated a wide range of activities over the weekend. Early risers can join Zumba and Hasya Yoga sessions starting at 7 a.m., while live music performances, street plays, and dance shows will run throughout the day. There will also be interactive discussions on road safety, sustainable transportation, and the future of public mobility.

A special focus on March 8 will be dedicated to celebrating International Women’s Day, with events like Khel Paithanicha, cultural performances, quizzes, and live music performances featuring women artists. To enhance the pedestrian experience, shaded walkways, seating areas, and various public amenities have been set up along the route.

One of the highlights of the event will be a town-hall-style discussion titled “Chai Pe Charcha”. Residents will have the chance to directly engage with PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, Traffic Deputy Commissioner Bapu Vitthal Bangar, and other city officials, providing their input on the initiative and discussing future plans for the area.

The traffic restrictions in place.

Event Details

Location: 500-meter stretch from Sai Chowk to Maharshi Valmiki Chowk

Time: 8 am to 9 pm

Dates: March 8-9, 2025

Getting There

For those using public transport, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Metro Station is the nearest stop. Several bus routes also service the area, including Lal Mandir, Pimpri Market, and Bhat Nagar stops.

Traffic diversions in place:

Shagun Chowk: Right turn only for vehicles approaching from the flyover for market parking.

MG Road Residents: Limited access during specific hours.

River Road Access: Vehicles from Shagun Chowk must take a U-turn at Deluxe Chowk.

Four-wheeler parking route: Via Shagun Chowk → Deluxe Chowk → Ramabai Ambedkar Chowk → Sadhu Vaswani Road → Gaylord Chowk → Sai Chowk → HAL parking underpass.